Not only did the Venetian architecture prevail in public buildings but attempts were also made on a similar line in the private building sector. Admittedly, private houses and mansions in the cities and in the countryside could by no means be compared with small Venetian palaces, despite the attempts that were made in that direction, due to economic reasons, but most of all because of the dominant traditional Cretan architecture.

Particularly with common private houses the architecture of the Renaissance of western countries was expressed mainly in the faηade and more precisely in the doorframe of the entrance. These doorframes, some of which were held simple, others superbly ornamented with pilasters, columns and fine entablatures, represented all architectural orders of the Renaissance: Doric, Ionian, Corinthian and mixed.

The buildings of the city of Rethymno:
Private houses in the Venetian quarters of Rethymno, of both simple and luxurious style, still decorate the alleys and streets of the old town up to the present day. As already mentioned, the influence of Renaissance architecture was restricted to the decoration of doorframes, which sometimes showed a rectilinear or semi-circular lintel usually depicting an anthemion in the arch.

The mansion at 154, Arkadiou Street:
This lavish mansion was built during the last years of Venetian occupation. An inscription in both Greek and Turkish writing as well as the date 1844 can be observed; the date probably refers to the restoration of the building. The doorframe with its Doric columns and its pediment is of particular beauty.

Doorframe of the residence at 13, Klidis Street:
Doorframes often display ornaments in the triangular space beside the semi-circular pediment, as is the case in this building, where the interesting motif of naked children hunting birds is depicted. In the crown of the doorframe with its Corinthian capitals the following inscription can be seen: QUI SPERAT IN DEO SUBLEVABITUR (He who believes in God will be comforted).

Doorframe of the residence at 48, Arkadiou Street:
This is one of the most impressive doorframes in the town of Rethymno displaying pilasters with Corinthian capitals and columns with capitals influenced by the Gothic order. Both triangular sides of the semi-circular lintel are ornamented with cupids. The relief of an acanthus in the crown of the arch is also very impressive.

Doorframe of the residence at 30, Vernardou Street:
This interesting doorframe displays a Latin inscription dated 1607 as well as the coat of arms of the Clodio family.

The villa Clodio in the village of Chromonastiri:
This magnificent country residence of the Clodio family is situated 2 km east of the village of Chromonastiri. Recently, restoration has been started on it.

The mansion in the village of Moundros:
This Venetian mansion is adorned with a beautiful doorframe, which bears an inscription taken from Virgil's Aeneid. It is said to be a reproduction of the doorframe in the east, central entrance to the Fortezza.

The doorframe in the village of Amnatos:
Among the many Venetian buildings in the village of Amnatos, which lies 18 km from Rethymno, is a house with a particularly impressive doorframe. The crown of the gable shows the inscription: INITIUM SAPIENTE TIMOR DOMINI (=Beginning of Wisdom Fear of the Lord)

Τhe doorframe of Amnato